Messages Deleted
A ten minute play
Characters
Mark, twenties
David, twenties
Gene, fifties
Time
Late one evening
Place
An apartment
Synopsis: Mark
must decide whether or not to honor David’s wish to not have their relationship
revealed to David’s parents. David’s father Gene must make a similar decision
about how to proceed.
Rich Espey
410.825.4353 (h)
410.812.4181 (c)
Messages Deleted
A ten-minute play
(An apartment. MARK is looking through some letters. DAVID is sitting near him, but not too close to him.)
DAVID
I’m sorry.
MARK
It’s not your fault. Is it?
DAVID
No.
MARK
They said it wasn’t your fault. They said the other guy didn’t stop.
DAVID
My father is coming. He’ll be wanting to take care of things. Mark, you need to -
MARK
You don’t have to tell me what to do.
DAVID
Please don’t be mad at me.
MARK
I’m not mad at you.
DAVID
I didn’t want this to happen.
MARK
I know. Where were you going?
DAVID
To get you some of those cookies you like for dessert.
MARK
You didn’t need to do that!
DAVID
I wanted dinner to be perfect! I just wanted you to have the cookies you like. Mark, before my father comes –
MARK
I know, David! I know what to do!
DAVID
Please. It would kill them. It’ll be bad enough as it is, but this...
MARK
I never ever pushed you to say anything.
DAVID
I know.
MARK
Maybe I should have.
DAVID
Your Valentines are in the middle drawer. So are the
birthday cards. And you should take the album from our
(MARK starts putting things into a bag.)
At least this way you can have them.
MARK
They’re going to think someone robbed the place.
DAVID
And take that picture of us at the beach. I hope you’re not still angry about that.
MARK
I was never angry.
DAVID
I should have been more careful.
MARK
It was a stupid little frame from the dollar store. And I used cheap glue.
DAVID
But the shells wouldn’t have come off if I hadn’t stuffed –
MARK
Don’t apologize.
DAVID
If I hadn’t stuffed it in the drawer before they came over.
MARK
You already apologized!
(MARK places the picture in the bag.)
What else?
DAVID
You should take the CD’s you want.
MARK
That’s a little crass, don’t you think?
DAVID
You bought me half of them.
MARK
I don’t see how I can ever listen to them.
DAVID
My poor boy.
MARK
You realize I’m going to have to sit there, like I was just another friend or something.
DAVID
I’m sorry.
MARK
I never know what to do.
DAVID
Just follow along.
MARK
Your parents will want something big.
DAVID
I don’t know.
MARK
Hymns, readings, prayers, masses... That’s the whole problem, isn’t it?
DAVID
I know this is hard for you –
MARK
This? This is nothing. Hard is going to be sitting there having to keep your family from seeing that this is the worst moment of my life, too, pretending to not be absolutely destroyed by this.
DAVID
Mark, it would kill them. Please.
(The sound of a key in a lock. The door opens. It is GENE, DAVID’s father.)
GENE
Who are you?
MARK
Mr. Gladden?
GENE
Are you the landlord?
MARK
No, I’m a friend of David’s. My name is Mark Delaney. I’m so sorry –
GENE
How did you get in here?
MARK
I – David had given me a key. I’m so sorry for your loss.
GENE
Why do you have a key? What are you doing -
MARK
I took care of the place when he was away sometimes. I’m so sorry.
GENE
How did you know?
MARK
I was driving by when I saw David’s car. I...I thought...
DAVID
The cat.
MARK
I thought I should feed the cat. Can I help you? What do you need?
GENE
I need to get a suit for... I need to get a suit for David. Two hours ago I’m sitting at home having dinner with my wife. Then the phone rings and it’s someone from the hospital. Your whole life changes.
MARK
I know. Where is he, if I may ask?
GENE
Mitchell’s. They said go get a suit.
MARK
I can help you -
GENE
What’s in that bag?
If you would like to read more,
email the author at “richespey at aol.com”.